Jacob Richard Manalo

Jacob Richard Manalo,

Age 20, of Presto, on Friday, May 6, 2022.  Beloved son of Alfredo E. and Lori (Buckwalter) Manalo; loving brother of Allison and Isabella Manalo; dear grandson of Maureen (late Richard) Buckwalter and the late Alfredo S. and Patricia Manalo; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will mourn his passing.  An accomplished student and athlete, Jacob attended Chartiers Valley High School, where he lettered in baseball and graduated at the top of his class.  In high school, Jacob played second base; but as a young boy, he once pitched a no-hitter in a travel league baseball game.  Jacob so loved baseball and would be proud to know that Big Webb Field, where he practiced for many hours with his loving father, will be renamed in his honor.  His discipline in his sport extended into all aspects of his life.  He not only loved baseball, but also was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, attending many games with his family and friends.  Jacob had a zest for life and was always on the go, wanting to spend time with his friends, experience new things, and travel to new places.  Jacob attended Pennsylvania State University for college, studying biochemistry and molecular biology.  He aspired to be a pediatric oncologist so he could help other children affected by cancer.  Jacob’s loved ones will not remember him for his illness, but for his characteristic strength in its face.  Jacob was first diagnosed with leukemia in 2018 and went into remission after a bone marrow transplant.  We were devasted to learn that his cancer had returned in August of 2021.  Even in his illness, Jacob remained kind, caring and courageous.  Jacob never complained, and his positivity was infectious.  One only needed to spend a day with him to understand all he was.  His already unwavering faith deepened while he was ill, and he took to praying the Rosary and attending Mass every day in the hospital with his mom.  Jacob was stoic and remained so throughout his life.  But when he spoke, it was often with a goofy one-liner that could set the room alight with laughter.  It is difficult to put someone as incredible as Jacob into words, so it is perhaps best to say that he lived his life to the fullest, was loved and loved others deeply, and he will be remembered fondly by everyone he touched forever.   Friends welcome 5-8p.m. FRIDAY, WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Rd, Scott Twp 15220.  Mass of Christian Burial 10:00a.m. SATURDAY, St. Barbara Church (Corpus Christi Parish), Bridgeville.  Entombment will follow in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.  www.slaterfuneral.com